Prestatyn Central Beach

The beach at Prestatyn stretches out wide and sandy, backed by a promenade that's seen better decades but still does the job. It's the kind of seaside you come to for a proper walk, not for Instagram aesthetics - the tide goes out miles here, exposing hard-packed sand that's excellent for long strides without sinking. The town itself is fairly modest. Rhyl, just down the coast, has more amenities and a bit more buzz, but Prestatyn Central Beach keeps things quieter and less crowded in season. Families with younger children will manage an afternoon here easily enough; there's space to spread out, and the expanse of beach means you're never treading on someone else's towel. Teenagers and anyone after vibrant seaside entertainment might find it a touch dull after an hour or so. The promenade has the usual chip shops and ice cream vans, though nothing fancy. Free to access, obviously - it's a beach. Best visited when the weather's cooperating; the wind can whip across here on grey days and make it feel rather bleak. If you're basing yourself at Golden Sands Holiday Park nearby, this is a solid option for a morning or evening stroll, though the park itself may offer more structured activities for families wanting to stay put. The real charm here is the space and the lack of fuss - which will either appeal to you or won't.